Beautiful. Unexpected. Surreal. Two weeks went by quickly as a YCOM missionary in the Philippines. I came into the Great Adventure Tour not knowing what to expect. All I knew was I was on mission with others, some almost complete strangers to me, to build houses. However, the not knowing made the trip more exciting.
I was ready for the smell that would welcome me coming out of the airport, but the heat sucker punched me. Other nuisances started to creep up so the brothers on the trip decided to form a pact to not complain. The punishment was a punch from the other brothers. I was so grateful for this because without it I know it would not have humbled us for the mission God prepared.
The first day at our first build site, Tarlac, we were greeted by loud, vibrant children. We played with them for just a couple of hours but we were exhausted. The expectation was that for the next 2 days we would help build a house – dig, sift and mix cement, and carry blocks – in the morning and play again with the kids in the afternoon. We got through it and not in an unpleasant manner either. We finished each day happier than the last because we helped more and made the kids smile more.
During nightly worship I bonded with the 14 people now with me on this mission. If you don’t know me you probably would even notice me because I’m quite shy and have a soft voice. However, I got to know the people serving with me and they got to know me. Eventually people were giving me the look or nudging me to get me to share. It was a new experience when people noticed that I wasn’t speaking and asked me to.
Our final day in Tarlac broke our hearts, but they were mended by the fact that we were lucky enough to meet such grateful and happy people. I was blessed to eat and sing with them. I’m ready to make a fruit salad or melody with them anytime. Leaving Tarlac, the thought of God wanting us to relive another tearful goodbye at our next city, Avanai, stretched everyone’s heart.
As part of our farewell in Tarlac we planted a tree which symbolizes me and my growth – a long way from done. I want to thank my fellow missionaries for being the soil that kept me grounded. I thank the people of Tarlac and Avanai for being the water that nourished me both physically and mentally on this trip. Special thanks to “Ate” Marv, Ate Tine and Tita Vida for being the clouds and watching over us always. And, we must never forget God, whose light allows us to grow spiritually that we may eventually reach him in heaven.
The things I found out about the Philippines, its people, my fellow missionaries and myself are all a testament of God’s great plan for us.
[This reflection is written by Andre Nobleza during his mission trip to the Philippines.]
I was ready for the smell that would welcome me coming out of the airport, but the heat sucker punched me. Other nuisances started to creep up so the brothers on the trip decided to form a pact to not complain. The punishment was a punch from the other brothers. I was so grateful for this because without it I know it would not have humbled us for the mission God prepared.
The first day at our first build site, Tarlac, we were greeted by loud, vibrant children. We played with them for just a couple of hours but we were exhausted. The expectation was that for the next 2 days we would help build a house – dig, sift and mix cement, and carry blocks – in the morning and play again with the kids in the afternoon. We got through it and not in an unpleasant manner either. We finished each day happier than the last because we helped more and made the kids smile more.
During nightly worship I bonded with the 14 people now with me on this mission. If you don’t know me you probably would even notice me because I’m quite shy and have a soft voice. However, I got to know the people serving with me and they got to know me. Eventually people were giving me the look or nudging me to get me to share. It was a new experience when people noticed that I wasn’t speaking and asked me to.
Our final day in Tarlac broke our hearts, but they were mended by the fact that we were lucky enough to meet such grateful and happy people. I was blessed to eat and sing with them. I’m ready to make a fruit salad or melody with them anytime. Leaving Tarlac, the thought of God wanting us to relive another tearful goodbye at our next city, Avanai, stretched everyone’s heart.
As part of our farewell in Tarlac we planted a tree which symbolizes me and my growth – a long way from done. I want to thank my fellow missionaries for being the soil that kept me grounded. I thank the people of Tarlac and Avanai for being the water that nourished me both physically and mentally on this trip. Special thanks to “Ate” Marv, Ate Tine and Tita Vida for being the clouds and watching over us always. And, we must never forget God, whose light allows us to grow spiritually that we may eventually reach him in heaven.
The things I found out about the Philippines, its people, my fellow missionaries and myself are all a testament of God’s great plan for us.
[This reflection is written by Andre Nobleza during his mission trip to the Philippines.]